Mechanically strainable composite laminated structure

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composite laminated structure comprising a substrate and an apertured layer joined together by means of a layer of an adhesive composition. The laminated structure is made extensible in designated zones by mechanical straining and the adhesive composition provides both an effective connection of the layers forming the composite laminated structure and an improved processability of the laminated structure by mechanical straining. The composite laminated structure preferably constitutes side flaps in a disposable absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a composite laminated structurecomprising a substrate and an apertured layer joined together by meansof a layer of an adhesive composition. The laminated structure is madeextensible in designated zones by mechanical straining and preferablyconstitutes side flaps in a disposable absorbent article such as asanitary napkin.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, andincontinence pads are devices that are typically worn in the crotchregion of an undergarment. These devices are designed to absorb andretain liquid and other discharges from the human body and to preventbody and clothing soiling. Sanitary napkins are a type of absorbentarticle worn by women in a pair of panties and is normally positionedbetween the wearer's legs, adjacent to the perineal area of the body.Sanitary napkins in particular with side wrapping elements, often alsoreferred to as side flaps or wings, are disclosed in the literature andare available in the marketplace.

Sanitary napkins having wings or side flaps of various types aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,687,478, 4,608,047, 4,589,876,Reexamination B1 4,589,876, 4,285,343. Sanitary napkins having wings arecommonly viewed as providing good protection against soiling.

However, some women find applying sanitary napkins having side flaps tobe inconvenient for various reasons. For instance, some women find it tobe difficult to attach the side flaps to the underside of the crotch oftheir panties. This can be due to factors such as difficulties infolding the side flaps properly into place and to stick them to theundergarment As a result, some women still prefer a sanitary napkinwithout side flaps. In addition, some women who generally prefer asanitary napkin with side flaps, occasionally (such as during periods oflight flow) prefer a sanitary napkin without. Therefore, there is a needfor a sanitary napkin which provides an alternative to sanitary napkinshaving conventional side flaps while still providing a similarprotection.

Several variations of sanitary napkins having conventional side flapshave been suggested. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,701 discloses asanitary napkin having elastic strands for providing a greater convexshape to the body-facing portion of the central absorbent and forenabling adhesive-free placement of the side flaps into the panties.U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,462 discloses a sanitary napkin with longitudinallyexpandable flaps. The flaps are designed to fold over the exterior ofthe wearer's panty and then to expand to conform with the contour of thepanties. Further improvements of side wrapping elements with extensiblezones have been disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 08/124,180 ofSep. 17, 1993; and Ser. No. 08/277,733 of Jul. 20, 1994 and Europeanapplication 94202252.6 of Aug. 3, 1994.

In these disclosures the extensibility can be provided by a number ofdifferent processes. For example the extensible zones can be created bymechanically straining, corrugating, “ring-rolling”, heating anddeforming, subjecting portions of the side wrapping elements or flaps tocompression between mating plates, and the like.

In particular high speed mechanical straining such as corrugating orring-rolling are desirable due to the manufacturing efficiency fromallowing high speed production. Also ring-rolled zones of extensibilitycan have an angled extensibility relative to the machine direction(process transport direction). Suitable methods for ring-rolling,typically by means of two rolls of meshed interlocking teeth andgrooves, are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,107,364, 4,834,741,5,143,679, 5,156,793 and 5,167,897.

Particularly preferred side wrapping elements or flaps comprise at leasttwo layers of material but sometimes more, for example four layers ofmaterials which are joined together forming a composite laminatedstructure that is rendered extensible only after being formed into alaminate. In particular prior art sanitary napkins with side wrappingelements having extensible zones are constructed such that the sidewrapping elements are formed by laterally extending parts of theuppermost layer of the sanitary napkin (typically called topsheet) andthe lowermost layer of the sanitary napkin (typically designated thebacksheet).

The laminate formed in the area laterally outside the main portion ofthe sanitary napkin is strained by mechanical processes like theaforementioned ring-rolling at the production speed of these articles.For the laminate to display uniform behaviour during the mechanicalstraining the individual layers need to be properly joined to each otherat least in the areas of mechanical straining.

Typically adhesives, especially hot melt adhesives have been suggestedand used for that purpose. A large variety of adhesives for thedifferent situations occurring in the manufacturing process ofdisposable absorbent articles have been developed and continue to bedeveloped. Alternative joining methods include welding which is usedbetween plastic materials of similar kinds allowing to create areas werethe materials are fused to each other to create permanent connections,or crimping which is a local mechanical deformation of the layers suchthat the layers interlock locally.

A problem encountered when applying mechanical strain, for example bymeans of a ring rolling process, to a composite laminated structurecomprising an apertured layer joined by means of an adhesive to asubstrate, in order to provide designated zones of the structure withextensibility, is that machinery parts, typically the apexes of themetal teeth of one of the rolls used in the ring rolling process, comeinto direct contact with the adhesive layer through the apertures of theapertured layer. The apertured layer can be a nonwoven or, preferably,an apertured three dimensional polymeric film, constituting e.g. thetopsheet of a sanitary napkin, and the substrate can be a liquidimpermeable polymeric film, preferably a liquid impermeable, moisturevapour permeable layer, such as a microporous breathable film, comprisedin a preferably breathable backsheet.

Adhesives used in the field of disposable absorbent articles aretackified to display adhesive characteristics over a broad range oftemperatures. They are usually still tacky at room temperature andtherefore during the mechanical straining step by means of e.g. ringrolling they can still stick to the teeth of a roll for ring rollingthrough the apertures of the apertured layer.

It is particularly undesirable during the straining process to haveexposed adhesive on the outside of any of the laminates because adhesivebuild up, in particular sticky adhesive build up on fast movingmachinery parts quickly leads to unstable process conditions. As aminimum the occurrence of these conditions require frequent cleaning butcan even cause disastrous material destruction leading to machine stopsand reduce efficiency. Particularly, when a ring rolling process isperformed and one of the layers of the laminated structure has aperturesthe adhesive that sticks to the apexes of the teeth of one of the rollscan pull the portions of the layer joined to the apertured layer, i.e.the substrate, through the apertures of the apertured layer, to theextent that ruptures and pin holes are created in this substrate. Thisis detrimental to the integrity of the structure, and also to the liquidimperviousness of the substrate, when, as it is preferred, itconstitutes at least part of a backsheet structure in a disposableabsorbent article, and therefore ruptures in the substrate ultimatelycan cause liquid leakage during the use of the product.

This pulling action is even more effective in case of a compositelaminated structure comprising a three dimensional aperturedthermoplastic polymeric film as the apertured layer and a microporousbreathable film as the substrate, since the presence of the microporesin the microporous film makes the film somewhat weaker and more subjectto ruptures under the pulling action of the adhesive stuck e.g. to theteeth of a roll for ring rolling.

Adhesive which may be exposed through the apertures of an aperturedlayer on the outside of a composite laminated structure in a disposableabsorbent articles is also highly undesirable for the consumer. Ifadhesives which are tacky at the usage temperature of these productscontact the wearer's skin or garment they will usually cause residueadhesive on garments or irritation to the wearer's skin.

These undesirable effects can be also enhanced by the mechanicalstraining itself, e.g. a ring rolling process of a laminated structurecomprising a three dimensional apertured film joined to a substrate,e.g. a microporous breathable film, since the mechanical strain inducedby the ring rolling increases the size of the apertures in the threedimensional apertured film, and at the same time at least partiallydestroys the three dimensional structure of the apertured film itself,so reducing its thickness. This means that the adhesive is exposedthrough enlarged apertures on the outside of such a laminate, and isalso closer to the external surface, and therefore is more likely tocome in contact e.g. with the wearer's skin or garment.

It has been found that an alternative method of joining the materials ofa composite laminated structure, which is called soldering, can be usedin the process of mechanical straining of the laminated structure. Thismethod as such is known from the art of joining metals, but has beenalso been applied in the field of disposable absorbent articles, asdescribed in patent applications EP-A-707841 and EP-A-710470. A solder,as described in the cited application, is an adhesive which showsadhesive behaviour when it is applied at its process temperature, but isnot sticky at room temperature. Therefore during the mechanicalstraining step, e.g. by means of ring rolling, of a composite laminatedstructure comprising a substrate joined to an apertured layer by meansof the solder, the adhesive used as the solder cannot stick to themachine parts, and to anything else during the subsequent use of thelaminate, as far as the solder (adhesive) is kept at room temperature.

A problem with composite laminated structures comprising an aperturedlayer joined to a substrate by means of known adhesives used as soldersis that such adhesives, while being not sticky at room temperature, andtherefore capable of avoiding both the adhesive build up onto themachinery parts, and consequent damages to the laminated structure dueto adhesion between the laminated structure itself and the machineryparts onto which the adhesive can stick, and possible stickiness of thelaminated structure during the use of the structure itself, for examplein a disposable absorbent product, do not have sufficient extensibilityto withstand the mechanical straining process.

Known adhesives used as solders in such laminated structures for theirpreferred behaviour in terms of no stickiness at room temperature have arelatively high hardness and a low elongation at break, and thereforemake the composite laminated structure stiff. This causes the adhesivelayer joining the layers of the composite laminated structure to breakinto small pieces when the laminated structure is subjected tomechanical straining, e.g. by means of ring rolling, to be provided withextensibility in designated zones. The joining between the layers of thecomposite laminated structure can therefore fail and cause delaminationof the structure, i.e. separation of the layers over at least part ofthe joined area.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide acomposite laminated structure comprising a substrate and an aperturedlayer joined together by means of an adhesive layer which, whileavoiding the problems related to the exposure of the adhesive outside ofthe structure, e.g. direct contact of the adhesive with machinery partsthrough the apertures of the apertured layer, also achieves a securejoining of the layers when the structure is mechanically strained inorder to be provided with designated zones of extensibility.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a disposableabsorbent article comprising the composite laminated structure havingextensible zones, wherein the substrate is a liquid impervious,preferably moisture vapour permeable backsheet, and the apertured layeris a liquid permeable topsheet. Preferably the absorbent article is asanitary napkin with side flaps, and the flaps comprise the compositelaminated structure having zones of extensibility to facilitate foldingof the flaps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composite laminated structure comprising a substrate, an aperturedlayer bonded to the substrate, and a layer of an adhesive compositioncomprised therebetween and adhesively joining the substrate and theapertured layer. The composite laminated structure has designated zonesrendered extensible by mechanical straining.

The adhesive composition has a peel force on steel at a temperature of23° C. of less than 10 g according to the Peel Force on Steel Testdescribed herein, and the adhesive composition has an elongation atbreak of at least 35% according to ASTM D 638M-91a where the samplethickness is 4 mm.

The composite laminated structure of the present invention is preferablycomprised in a disposable absorbent article, preferably a sanitarynapkin. The mechanical straining is preferably provided by ring rollingaccording to the above identified prior art references.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a sanitary napkin having side flaps andcomprising a composite laminated structure made according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of a sanitary napkin having ring rolledzones of extensibility in the side flaps. The zones are indicated byhatched lines symbolizing that they are angled to the longitudinal axis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention a composite laminated structure isprovided which comprises a substrate, an apertured layer and a layer ofadhesive joining the apertured layer and the substrate; the laminatedstructure has extensible zones provided by means of mechanicalstraining. The composite laminated structure is preferably used in adisposable absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin having sideflaps, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flaps comprising thelaminated structure of the invention.

The absorbent article has a body facing surface, typically provided by aliquid impermeable layer of fibrous or film like structure; a garmentfacing surface, preferably provided by a liquid impermeable, butbreathable layer and an absorbent structure placed between the bodyfacing surface and the garment facing surface. The absorbent article hasa longitudinal axis 10 and a lateral axis 11 as shown in the Figures andcan comprise any of the components or features usual in the artincluding in particular side flap components and any sort ofextensibility or elastication feature known in the art.

The preferred sanitary napkin or panty liner made according to thepresent invention has a pair of side wrapping elements (or “undergarmentcovering components”) that provide coverage to the wearer's panties toreduce side soiling (i.e., staining of the edges of the panty crotch)without the use of conventional flaps.

The preferred sanitary napkin or panty liner comprises a main bodyportion comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid imperviousbacksheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positionedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet. The side wrapping elements areeither integrally formed with the main body portion which is preferredor joined to the garment-facing side of the main body portion inboard ofthe longitudinal side edges thereof.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 the side wrapping elements of the sanitary napkin comprisethe composite laminated structure of the present invention, formed bythe topsheet as the apertured layer and by the backsheet as thesubstrate both extending laterally of the main body portion of thearticle, outboard of the longitudinal side edges thereof, and beingjoined by a layer of adhesive not shown in FIG. 1.

The composite laminated structure in each of the side wrapping elementsis provided with at least one zone of extensibility, preferably twospaced apart zones of extensibility 56 as shown in FIG. 2, which aresymmetrically placed in respect to the longitudinal centerline of theabsorbent article. The zones of extensibility are regions of thecomposite laminated structure in the side wrapping elements that have agreater range of extension than the adjacent regions of the compositelaminated structure.

The disposable article for absorbing liquid is described below byreference to a sanitary napkin or panty liner. However products such asadult or baby diapers or adult incontinence inserts comprising zones ofextensibility can similarly benefit from the composite laminatedstructure of the present invention.

If the side wrapping elements are formed integrally with the main bodyportion of the absorbent article, as it is preferred, notch regions areformed extending around the intersection between the perimeter of theside wrapping elements and the longitudinal side edge of the main bodyportion where the side wrapping elements extend beyond the longitudinalside edge of the main body portion. For these integral side wrappingelement designs it is preferable when at least one symmetric pair ofzones of extensibility extend into said notch regions, i.e. eachextensible zone extends across the longitudinal side edge of the mainbody portion.

Alternatively for side wrapping elements which are provided as separateelements and which are attached to said garment-facing side (and whichare unattached outward from where they are attached) the distancebetween the laterally most inward points of the zones of extensibilityand the longitudinal centerline is preferably in the range of 40 mm to50 mm.

Generally the zone of extensibility can be primarily extensible in thelongitudinal direction or primarily in the transverse direction or inany direction falling therebetween. For integrally formed side wrappingelements the zone of extensibility is most preferably extensible in adirection following as close as possible the adjacent outer perimeter ofthe absorbent article. Preferably the zones of extensibility areprovided with corrugations having fold lines.

The sanitary napkins of the present invention provide an alternative toconventional sanitary napkins having side flaps. In one embodiment theside wrapping elements require no action on the part of the wearer tofold them under her panties or to attach them to the panties. The sidewrapping elements stay in place well enough to cover the sides edges ofthe wearer's panties without affixing them underneath the wearer'spanties.

In an alternative embodiment, particularly for side wrapping elementsextending far outside the main body portion, the sanitary napkin may beprovided with a fastener, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive. Theadhesive fastener may be provided on the garment-facing side of the mainbody portion and also extend onto the garment-facing side of the sidewrapping elements. In this embodiment, particularly in narrow pantycrotches, the side wrapping elements may fold around the side edge ofthe wearer's panty crotch so that portions of the side wrapping elementseven overlap. This forms a novel structure that pinches the side edge ofthe panties between the folded portion of the side wrapping elements.

Topsheet

The topsheet 2 is compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating to thewearer's skin. The topsheet also can have elastic characteristicsallowing it to be stretched in one or two directions in portions of thetopsheet or throughout its extension. Further, the topsheet is fluidpervious permitting fluids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readilypenetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet can be manufacturedfrom a wide range of materials such as woven and non woven materials;polymeric materials such as apertured formed thermoplastic films,apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films; porousfoams; reticulated foams; reticulated thermoplastic films; andthermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials can becomprised of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), syntheticfibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, orpolyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and syntheticfibers.

Preferred topsheets for use in the present invention are selected fromhigh loft nonwoven topsheets and apertured formed film topsheets.Apertured formed films are especially preferred for the topsheet becausethey are pervious to body exudates and yet non absorbent and have areduced tendency to allow fluids to pass back through and rewet thewearer's skin. Thus, the surface of the formed film that is in contactwith the body remains dry, thereby reducing body soiling and creating amore comfortable feel for the wearer. Suitable formed films aredescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,929,135; 4,324,246; 4,342,314; 4,463,045;and 5,006,394. Particularly preferred microapetured formed filmtopsheets are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,609,518 and 4,629,643. Apreferred topsheet for the present invention comprises the formed filmdescribed in one or more of the above patents and marketed on sanitarynapkins by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati, Oh. as“DRI-WEAVE”.

Topsheets having not a homogeneous distribution of liquid passage waysbut only a portion of the topsheet comprising liquid passage ways arealso contemplated by the present invention. Typically such topsheetswould have the liquid passage ways oriented such that they result in acentrally permeable and peripherally impermeable topsheet for liquids.

The body surface of the formed film topsheet can be hydrophilic so as tohelp liquid to transfer though the topsheet faster than if the bodysurface was not hydrophilic. In a preferred embodiment, surfactant isincorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheetsuch as is described in PCT publication WO 93/09741. Alternatively, thebody surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it witha surfactant such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,254.

Another alternative are so called hybrid topsheets which incorporatefibrous and film like structures particularly useful embodiments of suchhybrid topsheets are disclosed in PCT publications WO 93/09744; WO93/11725 or WO 93/11726.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the topsheet 2comprises a three dimensional apertured thermoplastic film and typicallyextends across the whole of the absorbent structure 4 and outside thearea coextensive with the absorbent structure 4. As indicated in FIG. 1the topsheet 2 extends and forms all of the preferred side flaps asshown and designated 52 in FIG. 1, and constitutes the apertured layerof the composite laminated structure of the present invention.

When referring to the topsheet a multi layer structure or a mono layerstructure are also contemplated. If the various layers of multilayertopsheets are joined to each other they are as such also susceptible toform a composite laminated structure having designated zones ofextensibility provided by means of mechanical straining.

The hybrid topsheet mentioned above is such a multi layer design butother multilayer topsheets such as primary and secondary topsheetdesigns are also considered susceptible to form a composite laminatedstructure according to the present invention.

Absorbent Structure

The absorbent structure is shown as a single entity 4 in FIG. 1. It caninclude the following components: (a) optionally a primary fluiddistribution layer preferably together with a secondary fluiddistribution layer; (b) a fluid storage layer; (c) optionally a fibrous(“dusting”) layer underlying the storage layer; and (d) other optionalcomponents.

a) Primary/Secondary Fluid Distribution Layer

One optional component of the absorbent structure according to thepresent invention is a primary fluid distribution layer and a secondaryfluid distribution layer. The primary distribution layer typicallyunderlies the topsheet and is in fluid communication therewith. Thetopsheet transfers the acquired fluid to this primary distribution layerfor ultimate distribution to the storage layer. This transfer of fluidthrough the primary distribution layer occurs not only in the thickness,but also along the length and width directions of the absorbent product.The also optional but preferred secondary distribution layer typicallyunderlies the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communicationtherewith. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is toreadily acquire fluid from the primary distribution layer and transferit rapidly to the underlying storage layer. This helps the fluidcapacity of the underlying storage layer to be fully utilised.

b) Fluid Storage Layer

Positioned in fluid communication with, and typically underlying theprimary or secondary distribution layers, is a fluid storage layer. Thefluid storage layer can comprise any usual absorbent material orcombinations thereof. It preferably comprises absorbent gellingmaterials usually referred to as “hydrogel”, “superabsorbent”,“hydrocolloid” materials in combination with suitable carriers.

The absorbent gelling materials are capable of absorbing largequantities of aqueous body fluids, and are further capable of retainingsuch absorbed fluids under moderate pressures. The absorbent gellingmaterials can be dispersed homogeneously or non-homogeneously in asuitable carrier. The suitable carriers, provided they are absorbent assuch, can also be used alone.

Suitable absorbent gelling materials for use herein will most oftencomprise a substantially water-insoluble, slightly cross linked,partially neutralised, polymeric gelling material. This material forms ahydrogel upon contact with water. Such polymer materials can be preparedfrom polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. Suitableunsaturated acidic monomers for use in preparing the polymeric absorbentgelling material used in this invention include those listed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,654,039 reissued as RE 32,649. Preferred monomers includeacrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propanesulfonic acid. Acrylic acid itself is especially preferred forpreparation of the polymeric gelling material.

Suitable carriers include materials which are conventionally utilised inabsorbent structures such as cellulose fibers, in the form of fluffand/or tissues. Suitable carriers can be used together with theabsorbent gelling material, however they can also be used alone or incombinations. Most preferred are tissue or tissue laminates in thecontext of sanitary napkins/party liners.

In an embodiment made according to the present invention the absorbentstructure 4 comprises a double layer tissue laminate formed by foldingthe tissue onto itself.

Modified cellulose fibers such as the stiffened cellulose fibers canalso be used. Synthetic fibers can also be used and include those madeof cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride,acrylics (such as Orion), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinylalcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon),polyesters, bicomponent fibers, tricomponent fibers, mixtures thereofand the like. Preferably, the fiber surfaces are hydrophilic or aretreated to be hydrophilic. The storage layer can also include fillermaterials, such as Perlite, diatomaceous earth, Vermiculite, etc., thatlower rewet problems.

If the absorbent gelling material is dispersed non-homogeneously in acarrier, the storage layer can nevertheless be locally homogenous, i.e.have a distribution gradient in one or several directions within thedimensions of the storage layer. Non-homogeneous distribution can alsorefer to laminates of carriers enclosing absorbent gelling materialspartially or fully.

c) Optional Fibrous (“Dusting”) Layer

An optional component for inclusion in the absorbent structure accordingto the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to, and typicallyunderlying the storage layer. This underlying fibrous layer is typicallyreferred to as a “dusting” layer since it provides a substrate on whichto deposit absorbent gelling material in the storage layer duringmanufacture of the absorbent structure. Indeed, in those instances wherethe absorbent gelling material is in the form of macro structures suchas fibbers, sheets or strips, this fibrous “dusting” layer need not beincluded. However, this “dusting” layer provides some additionalfluid-handling capabilities such as rapid wicking of fluid along thelength of the pad.

d) Other Optional Components of the Absorbent Structure

The absorbent structure according to the present invention can includeother optional components normally present in absorbent webs. Forexample, a reinforcing scrim can be positioned within the respectivelayers, or between the respective layers, of the absorbent structure.Such reinforcing scrims should be of such configuration as to not forminterfacial barriers to fluid transfer, especially if positioned betweenthe respective layers of the absorbent structure. Given the structuralintegrity that usually occurs as a result of thermal bonding,reinforcing scrims are usually not required for the absorbent structuresaccording to the present invention.

Another component which can be included in the absorbent structureaccording to the invention and preferably is provided close to or aspart of the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer are odorcontrol agents. Typically active carbon coated with or in addition toother odor control agents, in particular suitable zeolite or claymaterials, are optionally incorporated in the absorbent structure. Thesecomponents can be incorporated in any desired form but often areincluded as discrete particles.

Backsheet

The backsheet 3 primarily prevents the exudates absorbed and containedin the absorbent structure from wetting articles that contact theabsorbent product such as underpants, pants, pyjamas and undergarments.The backsheet 3 is preferably impervious to liquids (e.g., menses and/orurine) and can be manufactured from a thin plastic film, although otherflexible liquid impervious materials can also be used. As used herein,the term “flexible” refers to materials that are compliant and willreadily conform to the general shape and contours of the human body. Thebacksheet also can have elastic characteristics allowing it to stretchin one or two directions.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the backsheet 3 comprises two layers: a first layercomprising a gas permeable apertured formed film layer 3A and a secondlayer comprising a breathable microporous film layer 3B.

Preferably the apertured formed film of the first layer 3A comprises alayer having discrete apertures which extend beyond the horizontal planeof the garment facing surface of the layer towards the absorbent core 4thereby forming protuberances. Each protuberance has an orifice locatedat its terminating end. Preferably the protuberances have a funnel orconical shape, similar to those described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135.The apertures located within the plane of the layer and the orificeslocated at the terminating end of protuberances themselves maybecircular or non circular. In any case the cross sectional dimension orarea of the orifice at the termination of the protuberance is smallerthan the cross sectional dimension or area of the aperture locatedwithin the plane of the layer. The first layer 3A of the backsheet 3 maybe made of any material known in the art, but is preferably manufacturedfrom commonly available polymeric materials. The first layer 3A may alsocomprise any type of formed films which may be used for a topsheet asdescribed above.

The second layer 3B of the backsheet 3 preferably comprises a breathablemicroporous film composed of a thermoplastic resin and inorganic fillersdispersed in the thermoplastic resin. Suitable thermoplastic polymersinclude polyolefins such as polyethylenes, including linear low densitypolyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), ultra low densitypolyethylene (ULDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or polypropyleneand blends thereof with the above and other materials. Examples of othersuitable thermoplastic polymers which may also be used include, but arenot limited to, polyester, polyurethanes, compostable or biodegradablepolymers, thermoplastic elastomers, and metallocene catalyst-basedpolymers (e.g., INSITE® available from Dow Chemical Company and Exxact®available from Exxon). The inorganic material or filler can comprisetalc, silica, calcium carbonate, clay, titanium dioxide, barium sulfate,with the preferred inorganic filler being calcium carbonate. Theinorganic filler may be coated with fatty acid esters, fatty acids ortheir metal salts to improve the dispersion of the filler particles intothe thermoplastic polymer and to obtain higher loadings in the polymer.The inorganic filler and the thermoplastic polymer are blended togetherto form a homogeneous mixture in a suitable mixing extruder, or in aseparate preliminary compounding step. The mixture is then cast or blowninto a film. The obtained film is stretched at least in one direction toimpart breathability on the substantially entire area of the film. Thestep of stretching a film to impart breathability may be done at adifferent place prior to manufacturing process of absorbent articles.Alternatively, the step of stretching may be done at the same place,i.e., same manufacturing process, prior to assembling a breathablemicroporous film with other elements of absorbent articles. In any case,the film is imparted breathability on the substantially entire area ofthe film before the resulting breathable microporous film is assembledwith other elements of absorbent articles.

The topsheet, the backsheet, and the absorbent core may be assembled ina variety of configurations known in the art (including layered or“sandwich” configurations and wrapped or “tube” configurations). FIGS. 1and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the sanitary napkin 1 assembled ina sandwich construction in which the topsheet 2 and the breathablemicroporous film 3B have length and width dimensions generally largerthan those of the absorbent core 4. The topsheet 2 and the breathablemicroporous film 3B extend beyond the edges of the absorbent core 4 toform portions of the periphery.

The sanitary napkin 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 also comprises a pair offlaps 52 that are joined to the main body portion along a juncture. Theflaps 52 extend laterally outward beyond the longitudinal side edges ofthe main body portion from their proximal edges to their distal edges(or “free ends”). The flaps 52 comprise a flap topsheet and a flapbacksheet. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flaps 52 areintegral with the main body portion, that is, the flap topsheet and theflap backsheet comprise integral extensions of the topsheet 2 and of thebreathable microporous film 3B, respectively.

The apertured formed film 3A of the backsheet has approximately the sameshape as the absorbent core 4 to cover at least the region where theabsorbent core 4 lies as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, it may have alittle bigger shape than the absorbent core 4, or may have the sameshape as the main body portion of the sanitary napkin 1. In any case,preferably, the apertured formed film 3A does not extend into the flaps52 as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, but less preferably, the aperturedformed film 3A may extend into the flaps 52 so that the apertured formedfilm constitutes a part of the flaps 52.

The topsheet 2 and the breathable microporous film 3B can be joined inany suitable manner known in the art for this purpose. Preferably, inthe embodiment shown, these portions of the topsheet 2 and of thebreathable microporous film 3B are joined using adhesives oversubstantially the entire portions that extend beyond the edges of theabsorbent core 4, and therefore over the entire region of the flaps 52.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first layer 3A is typicallylocated adjacent to the absorbent core 4 and the subsequent layer 3B ofthe backsheet is typically located further away from the absorbent core4. The backsheet 3 may also comprise additional layers. All of thelayers of the backsheet 3 can be substantially in intimate and directcontact with one another.

The function of flaps, also called side wrapping elements, whetherintegral or joined to the article after being formed separately, isfurther improved by rendering them extensible in one or both directionsparallel to the longitudinal axis 10 or lateral axis 11. Theextensibility can be provided across all or only part of the sidewrapping elements and can be achieved by pleating or ring-rolling thoseparts which are to be rendered extensible.

The layered structure formed by the topsheet 2 (apertured layer) and bythe breathable microporous film 3B (substrate) of the backsheetextending beyond the longitudinal edges of the absorbent article to formside flaps 52, also comprising the adhesive layer joining the aperturedlayer and the substrate, constitutes the composite laminated structureof the present invention, which is intended to be provided withextensibility in designated selected zones 56 by means of mechanicalstraining preferably imparted by ring rolling.

The composite laminated structure according to the present inventioneliminates the problems associated with built up of tacky adhesive onhigh speed straining equipment parts such as the rolls used forring-rolling, together with the problem of the stiffness of thecomposite laminated structure that can lead to breaking of the adhesivelayer and consequently at least partial delamination of the layersduring the mechanical straining, preferably achieved by ring rolling.

In the preferred sanitary napkin/panty liner made according to thepresent invention shown in FIG. 2, the side wrapping elements eachcomprise composite laminate structures having two zones of extensibility56 therein. The extensibility of all the zones of extensibility 56 onthe side wrapping elements can be in the same direction. Alternatively,one or more of the zones of extensibility 56 may be extensible in adifferent direction. Also the extensibility in each zone 56 can vary ifso desired.

The zones of extensibility 56 are preferably rendered capable ofextending between 20% and 90%, more preferably between 50% and 80%, andmost preferably between 70% and 80% under the forces associated withwearing the sanitary napkin in a pair of panties. The zones ofextensibility 56 are also preferably extensible without being elastic.Further, any inherent elasticity in the zones of extensibility 56 (thatis, any tendency of the material comprising the zones of extensibilityto return to its original dimension) is generally relatively low tonon-existent.

Composite Laminated Structure According to the Present Invention

The composite laminated structure according to the present inventioncomprises a substrate and an apertured layer, respectively correspondingto the microporous breathable film 3B and to the topsheet 2 in thepreferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a layer ofadhesive therebetween adhesively joining together the substrate and theapertured layer. The adhesive is considered useful to provide permanentadhesive connections between materials since the formed compositelaminated structures typically have to be coherent.

By “adhesively joining” and “permanent adhesive connection”, as usedherein, it is meant that the adhesive should preferably withstand atleast a peel strength of 0.4 N/2.5 cm. The peel strength is the strengthrequired to peel apart the materials joined to each other on a samplestrip of 2.5 cm width. A full test description is included in thefollowing. The adhesive strength can of course exceed the materialstrengths of the materials joined. Therefore an alternative to the testagainst 0.4 N/2.5 cm can be the internal cohesion test. In this test anadhesive connection is delaminated. The adhesive connection satisfiesthe test if one of the materials is destroyed.

According to the present invention, the adhesive composition comprisedin the composite laminated structure of the present invention has a peelforce value on steel at a temperature of 23° C., indicative of astandard room temperature, of less than 10 g, preferably of less than 1g, according to the Peel Force on Steel Test described in the following.This involves that when the composite laminated structure is subjectedto mechanical straining, e.g. by means of ring rolling, and provided thetemperature of the adhesive at this stage is the room temperature,therefore lower than the typical application temperature of theadhesive, machinery parts that come in direct contact with the adhesivelayers through the apertures of the apertured layer during themechanical straining, typically the apexes of the teeth of a roll forring rolling, do not stick to the adhesive. This avoids adhesive buildup on the machinery parts onto which the adhesive would otherwiseadhere, and consequently pulling of the substrate layer through theapertures of the apertured layer by the roll teeth, with possible damageof the substrate itself.

In the preferred use of the composite laminated structure according tothe present invention in the field of disposable absorbent articles suchas sanitary napkins, another typically critical temperature is the bodytemperature of the wearer of disposable absorbent articles since anystickiness of the adhesive to the skin of the wearer could be alsopreferably prevented. Including a safety margin 40° C. is considered tobe an adequate upper limit at which preferably the adhesive comprised inthe composite laminated structure of the present invention should have apeel force on steel of less than 10 g, preferably less than 1 g.

As already mentioned a mechanical straining is applied to the compositelaminated structure of the present invention in order to renderdesignated selected zones of the structure extensible. As discussedabove mechanical straining can be provided by any of the methods knownin the art. However the most preferred method is ring rolling accordingto the above identified prior art publications. In the ring rolling steptwo rolls of meshed teeth and grooves interlock and thereby forcematerial transported through the rolls to extend perpendicular to thegroove direction.

The adhesive comprised in the composite laminated structure according tothe present invention must have a low hardness and a sufficientextensibility to be able to withstand the mechanical straining processwithout breaking or in any case causing the layers of the compositelaminated structure to delaminate. This requires that the adhesivecomposition used for the adhesive layer of the composite laminatedstructure of the present invention must have an elongation at break ofat least 35%, preferably of at least 50%, as measured according to theStandard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics ASTM D 638M-91a,wherein the thickness of the samples has the standard value of 4 mm. Ifthe composite laminated structure of the present invention has to bemechanically strained by means of ring rolling, it is particularlypreferred that the adhesive composition has an elongation at break atleast equal to the highest strain which is induced in the compositelaminated structure during the ring rolling, e.g. 100%.

Preferred adhesive compositions that can be comprised in the compositelaminated structure of the present invention can be those described inour patent application entitled “Improved adhesive composition for astrainable composite laminated structure”, filed on the same day of thepresent application (P&G case CM1886F). According to that disclosure,preferred adhesive compositions have a low viscosity at a relatively lowapplication temperature, in order to make the application of theadhesive simple with the usual techniques employed with known hot meltadhesives, such as for example contact coating, roll coating, curtaincoating, spraying, and moreover have a peel force value on steel at atemperature of 23° C. of less than 10 g, according to the same PeelForce Test described herein. Typically an adhesive composition accordingto that disclosure has a viscosity comprised between 1500 mPa.s and10000 mPa.s at an application temperature in the range of 110° C. to160° C., preferably lower than 5000 mPa.s at a temperature of not morethan 160° C., more preferably comprised between 3000 mPa.s and 5000mPa.s at a temperature of not more than 130° C.

Preferred adhesive compositions according to that application comprise,in weight percent, from 30% to 80% of a microcrystalline wax, from 5% to70% of a polymer having an elongation at break of at least 400%according to ASTM D 638-91a, wherein the thickness of the samples hasthe standard value of 4 mm, and optionally up to 25% of a plasticisingparaffinic oil. Preferably the adhesive composition comprises from 30%to 70%, preferably from 40% to 60% by weight of the microcrystallinewax, and from 30% to 70% by weight of the polymer, wherein the polymeris a copolymer of ethylene and vinyl acetate having a melt flow index(M.F.I.), evaluated by the ASTM method D 1238-85 under conditions190/2.16, of at least 150 g/10 min, and a vinyl acetate content of atleast 14% by weight. More preferably the polymer is a terpolymer alsocontaining an acid monomer, e.g. acrylic acid, in an amount such thatthe acid number of the polymer is comprised between 1 and 100 mg of KOHper gram of the polymer.

Alternatively the adhesive composition according to the above mentionedapplication comprises, in weight percent, from 50% to 80% of themicrocrystalline wax, and from 5% to 25% of the polymer having anelongation at break of at least 400% according to ASTM D 638-91a asdefined above, wherein the polymer is a styrenic block copolymer havinga styrene content comprised between 14% and 35% by weight.

Preferred optional components in the adhesive compositions according tothe above mentioned application are up to 10% by weight of a paraffinicwax, or a mixture of paraffinic waxes, up to 25% by weight of an atacticpoly-alpha-olefin, or of a mixture of atactic poly-alpha-olefins, and upto 40% by weight of a tackifying resin or blend of tackifying resins.Preferred tackifying resins are hydrocarbon resins, aliphatic, oraromatic, or aliphatic-aromatic resins, partially or fully hydrogenatedresins, or mixtures thereof, wherein the resin or mixture of resinspreferably have a softening point not higher than 100° C.

The adhesive composition to be included in the composite laminatedstructure of the present invention can also have the characteristics ofa solder material as those disclosed in the two prior art publicationsEP-A-707841 and EP-A-710470 mentioned above, provided it also has therequired elongation at break.

Joining materials by soldering requires to apply a solder to one or bothsurfaces to be joined and bringing the surfaces into contact before thesolder cools below its solidifying temperature. In order to apply thesolder it is heated to a temperature above its solidifying temperatureand applied in a similar fashion or the same fashion as adhesives areapplied. As a matter of fact the same equipment used today for applyingadhesives can be adapted to apply the solder to the respective surfacewhere it is needed. Methods like contact coating, roll coating, coatingby spraying in random or designed patterns (such as swirl coating,) canall be used to apply the solder according to the present invention.

When bringing the surfaces to be joined together the solder contactsboth surfaces intimately at a temperature above its solidifyingtemperature. It creates a permanent connection after cooling below thesolidifying temperature. Incorporated within the word solderingaccording to the present invention are methods which in the metal artare referred to as brazing where the solder forms intermaterial bondsacross the contact surface. While not wishing to be limited by theory itis believed that the solder forms a thin layer of intermaterialconnections where the top molecular layers of the materials to besoldered to each other are involved. In order to distinguish a solderfrom generic adhesives a stickiness test for defining a solder isdescribed in the already mentioned patent application EP-A-710470.

During the mechanical straining, preferably applied by ring rolling, ofthe composite laminated structure of the present invention, the breakingof the adhesive layer joining the substrate and the apertured layer isprevented by the extensibility of the adhesive composition. The adhesivebuild up on machinery parts that come into direct contact with theadhesive layer through the apertures of the apertured layer, andpossible pulling of the substrate due to this effect, is on the otherhand avoided due to the non stickiness of the adhesive to steel at roomtemperature.

In principle selective adhesive materials which are non-sticky inconjunction with steel but sticky on “other” surfaces are contemplatedaccording to the present invention. Of course it is preferred that anadhesive used in a composite laminated structure according to thepresent invention is non sticky at room temperature on any material.

Further, not all material layers comprised in composite laminatedstructures according to the present invention undergoing mechanicalstraining, but excluding of course the adhesive layer, need to bestrainable. By “strainable” it is meant that the material undergoespermanent deformation without destruction of its integrity. However thecombination of non-strainable with strainable material can be strained.For example non-strainable nonwoven with strainable polymeric film,joined by an adhesive having the required extensibility in terms ofelongation at break, could be strained. In this case the film ispermanently deformed (and provides the desired zone of extensibility)while the non-woven would be locally destroyed (fibres or fibre bondsbreaking) but otherwise remain firmly adhered to the film owing to theextensibility of the adhesive that does not ruptures under mechanicalstraining.

Test Methods

All tests conducted in respect to the present invention require testconditions of 23° C. plus minus 1° C. and relative humidity of 50%unless stated otherwise. Unless stated otherwise, all test materials areconditioned at this temperature and humidity for at least 4 hours priorto the test itself. Each result is averaged on ten test samples.

Peel Force Test

The peel force or peel strength test analyses the force required todelaminate a connection between materials when one material is peeledfrom the other material at a 180 degree angle according to the standardtest method ASTM D 1876-72, but with a head speed of the tension testingmachine of 100 mm/min. In respect to defining a permanent connection ithas been found most sensible to create a realistic sample of thecomposite laminated structure of the present invention joined by anadhesive layer and analyse the peel strength between the actualmaterials to be joined to each other rather than attempt to standardisethe materials or adhesive application. The test is conducted on a samplestrip of 2.5 cm width having sufficient end tabs to apply the peel forceequally across the whole width of the sample to be tested.

The peel strength of a connection by means of an adhesive layer betweenmaterials forming a composite laminated structure according to thepresent invention is sufficient if the force required to delaminate thejoined connection is at least 0.4 N/2.5 cm or if the connection canwithstand holding a load of 0.4 N without delaminating.

As already indicated materials having a cohesive strength less than therequired 0.4 N/2.5 cm are still considered permanently connected by anadhesive if the material experiences destructive failure rather than theadhesive connection. Obviously this test is substantially easier inexecuting than the force measurement of the peel strength. It can alsobe used on materials having higher cohesive strength than 0.4 N/2.5 cmprovided one of the materials and not the adhesive connection isdestroyed. Therefore in general destruction of one of the materialsjoined together implies that the adhesive connection was permanent.

Peel Force on Steel Test

The peel strength or peel force on steel test measures the stickinessonto a steel surface at 23° C., which is considered as a standard roomtemperature, of an adhesive to be comprised into a composite laminatedstructure according to the present invention. The measurement of thepeel force is performed in the same way as in the peel strength or peelforce method described above (peel force at 180 degrees with 100 mm/minhead speed), but the samples are prepared and handled as describedhereinafter.

The adhesive composition is applied onto a substrate according to thesupplier instructions in an amount of 80 g/m². For the current testmethod it has been found that using a Nordson slot coater with a 50 mmwide nozzle available from a Nordson, Lüneburg, Germany is useful. Theadhesive is applied for this test in a width of at least 2.5 cm fullsurface coating at a speed of the first substrate of at least 0.5 m/srelative to the coating equipment. Wider coatings are acceptable whilecoatings of smaller width or only fractions of the width being coated(e.g. by spiral coating) are non acceptable in the context of this test.Of course such coating patterns can be used for applying the adhesive inthe particular application context according to the present invention.The length of the adhesive layer in the individual test sample should benot less than 10 cm. The test sample has a sufficient end tab to allowthe application of the peel force equally across the whole width of theadhesive coating on the sample to be tested.

The substrate is constituted by a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) filmhaving a thickness of between 20 and 30 μm. Typically the adhesives usedin the context of the present invention are hot melt adhesivecompositions that are applied in the molten state at the temperatureaccording to the manufacturers. A polyethylene terephthalate film as asubstrate is capable to withstand the application of these adhesives ina broad range of application temperatures, which is typical in thecontext of disposable absorbent articles.

After the adhesive has been applied to the substrate it is allowed ifnecessary to cool to the temperature at which measurements are to betaken, while ensuring that the open side of the sample remains untouchedand is only exposed to clean air.

The substrate is then positioned onto a horizontal 5×15 cm steel platehaving a smooth, flat surface, according to what is specified in ASTM D3330, with the entire surface of the sample coated with the adhesivelayer contacting the steel plate. A pressure is applied with acompression roll weighing 2000 g, rolled once over the entire length ofthe sample at a speed of 300 mm/min. After application of pressure thesamples are left for 30 seconds.

The measurement of the peel force at 180 degrees is conducted asdescribed above, with a head speed of 100 mm/min of the tension testingmachine, with the steel plate connected to the fixed clamp and with thesubstrate connected to the moving clamp at its free end tab.

Since it is preferred that the peel force on steel is as low aspossible, it is possible, with particularly preferred adhesives, that itis virtually zero. In this case no force measurement is detected duringdelamination, or, alternatively, the film substrate can delaminate fromthe steel plate under its own weight when the steel plate is positionedvertically to be connected to the fixed clamp of the dynamometer. It isconsidered that in such cases the adhesive satisfies the test.

Elongation at Break Test

The elongation at break is measured according to the Standard TestMethod for Tensile Properties of Plastics ASTM D 638M-91a, wherein thespecimens prepared for the test have a standard thickness of 4 mm.

EXAMPLES

Two composite laminated structures have been prepared both comprising asthe substrate a microporous breathable polymeric film produced by Mitsuiunder the tradename Espoir Microporous PG-01 with a basis weight of 40g/m², and as the apertured layer a three dimensional apertured polymericfilm produced by Tredegar under the tradename Dri-Wave. The substrateand the apertured layer are joined together by means of a layer of anadhesive composition comprised therebetween and applied by curtaincoating in an amount of 11 g/m².

In the reference sample the composite laminated structure comprises alayer of an adhesive composition designated Fuller HS350, available fromthe H.B. Fuller Company. The adhesive composition comprised in thecomposite laminated structure made according to the present inventionhas the following composition in weight percentages:

Elvax 4310 (ethylenevinylacetate terpolymer available from Dupont) 59.7%

Witcodur 236 (microcrystalline wax available from Witco company) 40%

Irganox 1010 (antioxidant available from Ciba Geigy) 0.03%

Both the composite laminated structure satisfy the Peel Force Test, andboth the adhesive compositions show virtually no adhesion to steel at23° C. (no peel force measured in the Peel Force on Steel Test).

The two composite laminated structures are subjected to a mechanicalstraining by means of ring rolling in order to be provided with a 75%extension. In the reference sample the adhesive layer breaks causingdelamination of the composite laminated structure. The failure of theadhesive connection can be ascertained for example by performing asecond Peel Force Test on the strained structure: the basic requirementof at least 0.4 N/2.5 cm peel force are not satisfied anymore. Thestructure made according to the present invention on the contrary showsa satisfactory resistance of the adhesive composition to the mechanicalstraining, and the effectiveness of the adhesive connection can bedemonstrated by a second Peel Force Test on the strained structure,where the requirement of 0.4 N/2.5 cm peel force is satisfied.

What is claimed is:
 1. A composite laminated structure comprising asubstrate, an apertured layer bonded to said substrate, and a layer ofan adhesive composition comprised therebetween and adhesively joiningsaid substrate and said apertured layer, said composite laminatedstructure having designated zones rendered extensible by mechanicalstraining, said composite laminated structure characterized in that saidadhesive composition has a peel force value on steel at a temperature of23° C. of less than 10 g according to the Peel Force on Steel Testdescribed herein, and said adhesive composition has an elongation atbreak of at least 35% according to ASTM D 638M-91a where the samplethickness is 4 mm.
 2. A composite laminated structure according to claim1, wherein the peel force required to peel apart said substrate and saidapertured layer on a sample strip 2.5 cm wide is at least 0.4 N.
 3. Acomposite laminated structure according to claim 1, wherein peelingapart said substrate and said apertured layer either said substrate orsaid apertured layer is destroyed.
 4. A composite laminated structureaccording to claim 1, wherein said adhesive composition has a peel forcevalue on steel at a temperature of 23° C. of less than 1 g according tothe Peel Force on Steel Test described herein.
 5. A composite laminatedstructure according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is a breathablemicroporous film comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic polymer andparticles of an inorganic filler.
 6. A composite laminated structureaccording to claim 1, wherein said apertured layer is a thermoplasticthree dimensional apertured polymeric film.
 7. A composite laminatedstructure according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined extensibilityis provided by means of a ring rolling process.
 8. A disposableabsorbent article comprising a composite laminated structure accordingto claim 1, wherein said substrate is a liquid impervious backsheet, andsaid apertured layer is a liquid permeable topsheet.
 9. A disposableabsorbent article according to claim 8, wherein said backsheet ismoisture vapour permeable.
 10. A disposable article according to claim8, wherein said disposable article is a sanitary napkin used in thecrotch portion of an undergarment, said article having side flaps, saidside flaps comprising said composite laminated structure and extendingbeyond and wrapping around the side edge of the crotch portion of saidundergarment, said extensible zones in said composite laminatedstructure being located so as to allow said side flaps to conform tosaid side edges of said crotch portion of said undergarment.
 11. Adisposable absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein saiddisposable arbsorbent article is a panty liner.